Memaw's Purse

Memaw's Purse is a way for me to honor my Grandmother, Marlene Shetter. It's also a way for you to help Grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren by donating gift cards.

Marlene "Memaw" Shetter

July 23, 1937 - February 8, 2010

Marlene "Memaw" Shetter (pronounced “Shutter”) was perhaps the kindest, most giving, selfless, and loving person I’ve ever known. She is my grandmother. In the spring of 2008 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer that we thought could be cured. She had surgery to remove the cancer and we thought we were out of the woods. She went through chemotherapy and not very long after the treatment began, the cancer was back & took her life.

Memaw was generous but for some reason Memaw always had an irrational fear that someone would steal her purse. The funny thing about that is that anyone could have asked for anything in her purse, cash included, and she would have gladly given it to them. But had you tried to snatch her purse she would have fought you to the death.

Because of my mother's work schedule and our family dynamic, Memaw for all intents and purposes raised me. That's why I have a special place in my heart for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. They make sacrifices that they hadn't planned on. To ease the burden, our family works to collect gift cards and then pass them on to well deserving grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

Would you donate a gift card? Click the get involved button.

Know a grandparent who could use a gift card? Nominate them via the form below.

All gift cards are given to a grandparent raising a grandchild who has been nominated. They are then screened, and school counselors are consulted in order to verify need.

Nominate A Grandparent Raising Grandchildren

Briefly describe the circumstances of the family in need. Please include number and ages of children in the household *

ALL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

What School does the Grandchild(ren) attend? *

What Church does the Grandchild attend?

Thank you for nominating the family in need. We will review the info provided and then a member of our team will contact you via phone or email within 5 days. From there, we will work to get a gift card to meet the need as funds are available.